Detailing best practices and trade secrets for private sector security investigations, Private Security and the Investigative Process, Third Edition provides complete coverage of the investigative process. Fully updated, this edition covers emerging technology, revised legal and practical considerations for conducting interviews, and new information on case evaluation.

Written by a recognized expert in security, criminal justice, ethics, and the law—with over three decades of experience—the updated edition of this popular text covers concepts and techniques that can be applied to a variety of investigations including fraud, insurance, private, and criminal. It details the collection and preservation of evidence, the handling of witnesses, surveillance techniques, background investigations, and report writing. This new edition includes:

More than 80 new or updated forms, checklists, charts, and illustrations Updated proprietary information from Pinkerton, Wackenhut, and other leading security companies Increased emphasis on software and technological support products A closer examination of periodical literature and government publications

Authoritative, yet accessible, this book is an important reference for private investigators and security professionals. Complete with numerous forms, checklists, and web exercises, it provides the tools and understanding required to conduct investigations that are professional, ethical, and effective.

Contents

Introduction to the Private Security Industry and the Investigative Process

The Trend toward Privatization

The Investigative Process: Private Security’s Role

Types of Investigative Activities

General Investigative Methods

General Characteristics of a Competent Investigator Introduction

Introduction

Objectivity and Investigative Practice

Logic and Investigative Practice

Perseverance, Diligence, and Investigative Practice

Human Relations Sk Investigative Practice

Ethics and the Investigative Process

Initial Interview and Case Evaluation

Introduction

Initial Interview

Miscellaneous Matters at Initial Interview

Recording Interview Impressions

Case Evaluation

Witnesses

The Purpose of Witnesses

Types of Witnesses

Missing or Unknown Witnesses

Lay Witnesses

Expert Witnesses

Character Witnesses

Processing Witnesses

Conclusion

Collection of Information

The Nature of Information and the Rules of Collection

Leads and Contacts for the Private Investigator

Public Sources of Information

Federal Agencies

State and Local Agencies

Private Sources of Information

Directories, Databases, and Atlases

Libraries

Newspapers

The Internet

Professional Associations and Groups

Auto Records

The Background Investiga...